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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Plan and conduct a guided mountain walking experience 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
9288  Plan and conduct a guided mountain walking experience 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Tourism Guiding 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  48 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2012-07-01  2015-06-30  SAQA 0695/12 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2016-06-30   2019-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner achieving this unit standard in combination with a generic standard will be able to create and conduct a mountain walking tourist experience, within Southern Africa, that entertains and informs visitors.

This unit standard in combination with other context expertise standard(s) will enable the qualifying learner to be a competent mountain walking guide. In addition, they will be well positioned to extend their learning and practice into other areas of tourism, or to strive towards guiding standards and practice at higher levels.

Competent qualifying learners in mountain walking guiding will provide safe and quality experiences and thus strengthen the profession and tourism in general. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The ability to communicate effectively in spoken English will be an advantage as this is, in most cases, the medium of communication. It is assumed that a learner attempting this unit standard will show competence in communication and numeracy equivalent to NQF level 4.

A learner aspiring to complete this unit standards must be in possession of a Level 5 (Basic Ambulance Assistant) First Aid certificate. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
Guides to the scope and complexity of the specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge are provided in ranges/points beneath each. These are prefaced by "for example" since they are neither comprehensive nor necessarily appropriate to all contexts. Alternatives must however be comparable in scope and complexity. These are intended only as a general guide to scope and complexity of what is required. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Plan, organise and manage all logistics pertaining to a Mountain Walking experience. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Arrange access permits, fees, registers and transport
  • Administer legalities, insurances, client information and history
  • Organise catering, equipment, and other technical support
  • Consult with client to assess needs, capabilities and experience, & select suitable trips
  • Use a variety of sources to make short term weather forecasts
  • Suitably record trips in a log book. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Arrange access permits, fees, registers and transport. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Administer legalities, insurances, client information and history. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Organise catering, equipment, and other technical support. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Consult with client to assess needs, capabilities and experience and select suitable trips. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Use a variety of sources to make short term weather forecasts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Record trips in a log book with reference to good and bad features and experiences to assist future planning. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Lead, organise and manage a group in a wide range of conditions. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Setting and reviewing targets
  • Positive decision making
  • Appropriate delegation
  • Application of flexible leadership styles
  • Proper group control and discipline by good group communication
  • Provide safe and rewarding experience for each group member
  • Impart technical skills and environmental awareness. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Set and review targets for the group based on their capabilities, experience, expectations and objectives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Delegation of tasks and responsibilities is done in accordance with members' experience, capabilities and willingness to assume responsibilities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Apply a flexible leadership style in accordance with situations as they arise. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Communicate with group in an authoritative and appropriate manner to ensure cohesion in the group and to motivate all members of the group to be positive. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Exercise proper group control and discipline according to the group and the situation during the entire expedition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Provide safe and rewarding experience for each group member. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Impart technical skills and environmental awareness. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate a high level of mountain craft. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Move a group over difficult terrain.
  • Respond to local hazards.
  • River crossings:
  • choose the best crossing points
  • preparation and safety precautions
  • crossing with and without a rope.
  • Move over steep terrain:
  • safeguard the party by use of a rope
  • movement on snow and ice.
  • Campsite selection and organisation.
  • Food preparation, planning and co ordination.
  • Personal and group hygiene.
  • Bivouac skills.
  • Environmental preservation considerations.
  • Apply a variety of walking skills (group & individual).
  • Basic walking ice axe techniques. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Move a group over difficult terrain. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Respond to local hazards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Choose the best river crossing points. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Prepare and execute a crossing with and without a rope. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Move appropriately over steep terrain. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Safeguard the party by use of a rope. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Move on snow and ice appropriately, if applicable. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Select and organise the Campsite. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Plan and coordinate food preparation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Supervise personal and group hygiene. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    Display Bivouac skills. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    Consider environmental preservation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    Apply a variety of walking skills (group & individual). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
    Display basic walking ice axe techniques. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Choose and select appropriate equipment to suit various conditions. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Performance of design, construction and materials.
  • Care and maintenance in accordance to manufacturers and field requirements.
  • For various weather and terrain conditions. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Check the performance, design and construction of materials for suitability for expedition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Maintain materials in accordance to manufacturer's and field requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Navigate accurately in an unmarked and unknown area in all weather conditions. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Use conventional and unconventional navigation equipment and techniques.
  • Calculate time and distances over ground with high level of accuracy.
  • Navigate efficiently in restricted visibility.
  • Route planning & recording.
  • Demonstrate methods of relocation.
  • Use terrain association & dead reckoning navigation. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Use conventional and unconventional navigation equipment and techniques. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Calculate time and distances over ground with high level of accuracy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Navigate efficiently in restricted visibility. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Plan and record the route. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Demonstrate methods of relocation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Use terrain association & dead reckoning navigation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Co-ordinate and implement limited emergency rescue procedures. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • In the event of an accident.
  • Improvised mountain rescue.
  • Deal with common emergencies.
  • Hasty search procedures. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Display the correct action in the event of an accident. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Display mountain rescue skills. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Deal with common emergencies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Display hasty search procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner is able to demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of:

    1. Alternate and emergency planning
    2. Altitude and environmental related illnesses and their treatment
    3. Common grids and map types
    4. Control infrastructures and access restrictions
    5. Dangers of river crossings and methods of avoidance
    6. Environmental hazards such as flooding, lighting, loose rock, snow and ice, steep ground
    7. Food & nutrition
    8. Helicopter procedures
    9. Hygiene and disposal of waste materials
    10. Leadership styles and methods
    11. Local fauna & flora
    12. Lost person behaviour
    13. Macro & micro weather patterns
    14. Map scales
    15. Measuring distance on maps and the ground
    16. Methods of group communication
    17. Methods of planning & recording routes
    18. Methods of relocation
    19. Methods of search
    20. Methods of showing relief on a map
    21. Moral obligation and responsibility towards the clients
    22. Mountaineering Code of conduct
    23. Mountaineering ethics
    24. Navigation equipment
    25. Performance design, construction, use parameters and materials used in common equipment
    26. Relating map to ground and visa versa
    27. Rescue structures
    28. Theory of movement on difficult terrain
  • Steep
  • Wet
  • Snow/ice
  • Loose
  • Dense vegetation
  • Low visibility
    29. Topographical features
    30. Understand latest equipment technologies
    31. Usage policy of mountainous areas
    32. Weather interpretation. 
    		•


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Team work relates to the following specific outcomes:
  • Plan, organise and manage all logistics pertaining to a Mountain Walking experience.
  • Lead, organise and manage a group in a wide range of conditions.
  • Co-ordinate and implement limited emergency rescue procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and management relates to the following specific outcomes:
  • Plan, organise and manage all logistics pertaining to a Mountain Walking experience.
  • Lead, organise and manage a group in a wide range of conditions.
  • Co-ordinate and implement limited emergency rescue procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication relates to the following specific outcomes:
  • Plan, organise and manage all logistics pertaining to a Mountain Walking experience.
  • Lead, organise and manage a group in a wide range of conditions.
  • Co-ordinate and implement limited emergency rescue procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of science and technology relates to the following specific outcomes:
  • Demonstrate a high level of mountain craft.
  • Choose and select appropriate equipment to suit various conditions.
  • Navigate accurately in an unmarked and unknown area in all weather conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems relates to the following specific outcome:
  • Navigate accurately in an unmarked and unknown area in all weather conditions. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Values

    Demonstration of the knowledge and skills outlined in this unit standard must be consistent with the principles of:

    1. Respecting the natural and cultural environment.
    2. Accepting and maintaining a non-discriminatory attitude towards diversity including, For example: differences in gender, race, religion, physical ability and culture.
    3. At this level, it is expected of an individual to demonstrate a high level of personal, moral and professional integrity.

    Assessment
  • Good leadership and social skills should include good judgement and decision-making ability.
  • Must show the ability to work under pressure and possess high levels of mental and physical fitness.
  • Navigation assessment must be rigorous and encompassing the full range of skills and techniques.

    Supplementary information

    As a general indication, the knowledge and insight expected at this level is unlikely to be obtained without at least 200 quality mountain days of active experience in the field.

    Of this:
  • 100 should be multi day off trail
  • 100 should be in winter
  • 50 should be as leader of group

    Assessment should include a logbook as part of a portfolio of evidence in all weather conditions and all seasons.

    A quality mountain day should include elements of planning, exploration and navigation. They should be reasonably demanding. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.